This Mental Health Counselor is Using Mountain Biking as Adventure Therapy

Sara Hunter is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in the state of North Carolina and a PMBIA Level 1 Mountain Bike Instructor. Her practice includes individual and couples counseling services plus mountain bike therapy and counseling for athletes and outdoor instructors. She's also a Specialized USA Ambassador.

• What led you to get into counseling?

• Does everyone benefit from spending time outdoors, or do you think some of us are just wired that way?

• What is Adventure Therapy? What is the idea behind it?

• Is there such a thing as spending too much time outdoors?

• As someone who works to address conflicts between individuals, do you have any ideas about how people can share the trail?

• Sometimes I get frustrated on group rides when the rider in front of me gets in my way. Is there a way to re-frame this?

• Unsolicited advice - about how to ride, or fix a bike - generally comes from a good place of wanting to help, but is there a better approach?

• What are some ways I can be more supportive of someone who is having a tough or bad ride?

• How can counseling help riders recover after an injury?

• Do you have any tips for calming nerves on race day, or even before a challenging ride?

• Do you have tips for reducing the risk of loneliness for athletes or travelers living the van life?

• What's the biggest benefit you get from mountain biking personally?

Connect with Sara and her practice at sarahuntercounseling.com and find about upcoming workshops at her Instagram account, @mindfulmountainbike (mindfulmountainbike) .
---
Support this podcast: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh...

[@BlackRail33]

Great discussion! Thank you.

[@tomrodgers6629]

Mountain biking is excellent therapy you get that endorphin hit that makes you feel better not to mention the rush you get when you all most kill yourself but ride out of it. You know, one of those close calls where all you can do after is laugh hysterically like The Joker " I almost died." Good times.. Good times. There is a music video about bike therapy by IFHT called " New Bike Day" it is great. I had a two for Tuesday therapy session ( It looks like a session ) I rode all morning then I rode to a labyrinth and walked it in my bare feet. I am one with the universe. 😁